Ramsar Sites Information Servicehttps://rsisdev.ramsar.org/
11229670738.99Assif Mgounhttps://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2376
The Mgoun river in the High Atlas is a tributary of Oued Dr’a, the largest river to emerge from the mountain range’s southern slope. The Site consists of the permanent central stretch of the river and its temporary upstream extension, as well as four small permanent tributaries. Its diverse habitats, at the southern limit of the Palearctic ecozone, support a rich biodiversity and many endemic species. It hosts more than 100 species of aquatic arthropod, including ten endemic species; and rare or endemic vertebrates including three fish species, one reptile, one bird and three mammals. The hydrologically-stable high-altitude cold springs and brooks provide ideal conditions for the reproduction of endemic fish such as Draa trout (Salmo multipunctata) and Draa barbel (Luciobarbus lepineyi) and about 20 aquatic or semi-aquatic plant species. The riverbank vegetation is composed of water plants such as buttercups, Phragmites and Typha, and trees and shrubs such as laurel, tamarisk and willow. This vegetation and the neighbouring orchards and cliffs attract some 40 bird species, of which about 15 breed there. The traditional irrigation practices of local communities add social and cultural values to this wetland and enhance hydrological processes. The Site is part of a large mountainous territory that has received the UNESCO Geopark status.]]>https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2376Mon, 15 Jul 2019 12:02:48 +0200Assif Mgoun2376Mon, 15 Jul 2019 11:49:10 +0200Tue, 16 Apr 2019 12:02:48 +0200https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2376AfricaMoroccoMAThe Mgoun river in the High Atlas is a tributary of Oued Dr’a, the largest river to emerge from the mountain range’s southern slope. The Site consists of the permanent central stretch of the river and its temporary upstream extension, as well as four small permanent tributaries. Its diverse habitats, at the southern limit of the Palearctic ecozone, support a rich biodiversity and many endemic species. It hosts more than 100 species of aquatic arthropod, including ten endemic species; and rare or endemic vertebrates including three fish species, one reptile, one bird and three mammals. The hydrologically-stable high-altitude cold springs and brooks provide ideal conditions for the reproduction of endemic fish such as Draa trout (Salmo multipunctata) and Draa barbel (Luciobarbus lepineyi) and about 20 aquatic or semi-aquatic plant species. The riverbank vegetation is composed of water plants such as buttercups, Phragmites and Typha, and trees and shrubs such as laurel, tamarisk and willow. This vegetation and the neighbouring orchards and cliffs attract some 40 bird species, of which about 15 breed there. The traditional irrigation practices of local communities add social and cultural values to this wetland and enhance hydrological processes. The Site is part of a large mountainous territory that has received the UNESCO Geopark status.]]>140031.5558422887894-6.230911789508VIMon, 20 Oct 1980 12:02:48 +01001296Oued Tizguitehttps://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2375
The Site on the northern edge of the limestone plateau of the Middle Atlas features permanent fast-or slow-flowing freshwater habitats, including temporary and eurythermal streams, fresh springs, waterfalls and artificial irrigation canals. The rich riverbank and aquatic vegetation includes at least two threatened species: the Atlas daisy (Anacyclus pyrethrum) and the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica). There are about 200 aquatic animal species, including endemic or rare insects such as the stonefly Protonemura dakkii and the caddisfly Agapetus dolichopterus. The Site is also marked by the significant presence of amphibians (the common toad Bufo bufo), reptiles (Macroprotodon cucullatus), birds (the common pochard Aythya ferina) and mammals (the common otter Lutra lutra). Oued Tizguit is accordingly considered a site of biological and ecological interest, and is included in the Ifrane National Park. The wetland is however affected by a reduction in low-water flow levels, due inter alia to water abstraction and upstream developments, and by the uncontrolled occupation of its bed during the summer. The management of the Ramsar Site is shared between private and public actors according to the applied land tenure system. Conservation and monitoring measures are being implemented, in particular on the hydrological regime, soil quality and birds.]]>https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2375Mon, 15 Jul 2019 12:02:48 +0200Oued Tizguite2375Mon, 15 Jul 2019 11:53:21 +0200Tue, 16 Apr 2019 12:02:48 +0200https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2375AfricaMoroccoMAThe Site on the northern edge of the limestone plateau of the Middle Atlas features permanent fast-or slow-flowing freshwater habitats, including temporary and eurythermal streams, fresh springs, waterfalls and artificial irrigation canals. The rich riverbank and aquatic vegetation includes at least two threatened species: the Atlas daisy (Anacyclus pyrethrum) and the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica). There are about 200 aquatic animal species, including endemic or rare insects such as the stonefly Protonemura dakkii and the caddisfly Agapetus dolichopterus. The Site is also marked by the significant presence of amphibians (the common toad Bufo bufo), reptiles (Macroprotodon cucullatus), birds (the common pochard Aythya ferina) and mammals (the common otter Lutra lutra). Oued Tizguit is accordingly considered a site of biological and ecological interest, and is included in the Ifrane National Park. The wetland is however affected by a reduction in low-water flow levels, due inter alia to water abstraction and upstream developments, and by the uncontrolled occupation of its bed during the summer. The management of the Ramsar Site is shared between private and public actors according to the applied land tenure system. Conservation and monitoring measures are being implemented, in particular on the hydrological regime, soil quality and birds.]]>60633.5205504632252-5.0911651317838IIMon, 20 Oct 1980 12:02:48 +01001296Lacs d'Imouzzer du Kandarhttps://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2374
This Site consists of three karst lakes, ‘Awwa, Ifrah and Hachlaf, near the town of Imouzzer Kandar in the Middle Atlas. They are among the most southerly lakes of the Western Palearctic ecozone. They combine a wide range of habitats which support a great diversity of flora and fauna. The 50 or more bird species include 33 wintering waterbirds, some of them threatened including the common pochard (Aythya ferina) and the white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala). The wetland is a particularly important wintering place for this latter species, which finds refuge in these lakes when its other breeding sites on the plain of Saïss are insufficiently submerged. A forest cover dominated by Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) and holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia) protects against soil erosion. The lakes replenish and are fed by the underlying aquifer, although these exchanges have declined due to droughts over the last three decades. Site management lies with different authorities depending on ownership status and the type of resource (forest area, marine area). A management plan is being prepared as of 2019. A cultural festival promotes the traditional values of the Site and the surrounding region.]]>https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2374Mon, 15 Jul 2019 12:02:48 +0200Lacs d'Imouzzer du Kandar2374Mon, 15 Jul 2019 11:55:13 +0200Tue, 16 Apr 2019 12:02:48 +0200https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2374AfricaMoroccoMAThis Site consists of three karst lakes, ‘Awwa, Ifrah and Hachlaf, near the town of Imouzzer Kandar in the Middle Atlas. They are among the most southerly lakes of the Western Palearctic ecozone. They combine a wide range of habitats which support a great diversity of flora and fauna. The 50 or more bird species include 33 wintering waterbirds, some of them threatened including the common pochard (Aythya ferina) and the white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala). The wetland is a particularly important wintering place for this latter species, which finds refuge in these lakes when its other breeding sites on the plain of Saïss are insufficiently submerged. A forest cover dominated by Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) and holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia) protects against soil erosion. The lakes replenish and are fed by the underlying aquifer, although these exchanges have declined due to droughts over the last three decades. Site management lies with different authorities depending on ownership status and the type of resource (forest area, marine area). A management plan is being prepared as of 2019. A cultural festival promotes the traditional values of the Site and the surrounding region.]]>51233.589861174904-4.98389236365949IIMon, 20 Oct 1980 12:02:48 +01001296Zarivarhttps://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2369
Located at the foot of the Zagros mountains in north-western Iran, Zarivar is a freshwater wetland featuring a lake fed mainly by springs from the lake floor. The Site provides a suitable breeding and resting place for birds and other wetland animals, and due to the relatively extensive reed beds, it is an important overwintering site for northern migratory birds. 29 plant species, 74 birds, nine fish, two mammals, three reptiles and three amphibians have been identified in the wetland. These include some globally vulnerable species such as the lesser white-fronted goose (Anser erythropus), red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis), Amur carp (Cyprinus carpio) and common tortoise (Testudo graeca). The Site also supports endemic species such as the Namak scraper (Capoeta buhsei) and the Mesopotamian spiny eel (Mastacembelus mastacembelus). Communities around the wetland depend on the lake for their livelihoods related to fishing and recreational activities.]]>https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2369Thu, 31 Jan 2019 12:02:48 +0100Zarivar2369Fri, 01 Feb 2019 10:11:24 +0100Sun, 17 Jul 2016 12:02:48 +0200https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2369AsiaIran (Islamic Republic of)IRLocated at the foot of the Zagros mountains in north-western Iran, Zarivar is a freshwater wetland featuring a lake fed mainly by springs from the lake floor. The Site provides a suitable breeding and resting place for birds and other wetland animals, and due to the relatively extensive reed beds, it is an important overwintering site for northern migratory birds. 29 plant species, 74 birds, nine fish, two mammals, three reptiles and three amphibians have been identified in the wetland. These include some globally vulnerable species such as the lesser white-fronted goose (Anser erythropus), red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis), Amur carp (Cyprinus carpio) and common tortoise (Testudo graeca). The Site also supports endemic species such as the Namak scraper (Capoeta buhsei) and the Mesopotamian spiny eel (Mastacembelus mastacembelus). Communities around the wetland depend on the lake for their livelihoods related to fishing and recreational activities.]]>2185.5835.542121017106946.1255530963275IVSun, 21 Dec 1975 12:02:48 +01002269Complexe d’Aires Protégées Pô-Nazinga-Sissilihttps://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2366
The Site, within the West Sudanian Savannah, is one of the largest ecological regions of biodiversity conservation in Burkina Faso. The diverse flora and fauna of its different types of savannah include mammals, birds and reptiles. The complex, which is also known as “CAP/PONASI”, hosts large herbivores such as elephant, buffalo, sable antelope and waterbuck. It is also a habitat for threatened species such as the African bush elephant Loxodonta africana and the trees Afzelia africana and Vitellaria paradoxa. The Site serves as an ecological corridor enabling large mammals such as the elephants to migrate from similar ecosystems in northern Ghana (namely the Morago River area and Mole National Park). During the European winter, it is a milestone in the migration routes of some Western Palearctic migratory birds such as storks. The Ramsar Site includes many cultural sites. Despite the absence of a management plan, it has some tourism facilities such as watchtowers and observatories to improve the conditions for visitors. The complex is threatened by the fragmentation of its ecosystem due to livestock and arable farming activities, logging, charcoal burning, poaching, and conflicts between people and elephants. These conflicts have a negative impact on the food security and livelihoods of the affected populations, leading them to have a hostile attitude towards wild animals around their communities.]]>https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2366Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:02:48 +0100Complexe d’Aires Protégées Pô-Nazinga-Sissili2366Thu, 14 Mar 2019 12:55:00 +0100Sat, 27 Oct 2018 12:02:48 +0200https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2366AfricaBurkina FasoBFThe Site, within the West Sudanian Savannah, is one of the largest ecological regions of biodiversity conservation in Burkina Faso. The diverse flora and fauna of its different types of savannah include mammals, birds and reptiles. The complex, which is also known as “CAP/PONASI”, hosts large herbivores such as elephant, buffalo, sable antelope and waterbuck. It is also a habitat for threatened species such as the African bush elephant Loxodonta africana and the trees Afzelia africana and Vitellaria paradoxa. The Site serves as an ecological corridor enabling large mammals such as the elephants to migrate from similar ecosystems in northern Ghana (namely the Morago River area and Mole National Park). During the European winter, it is a milestone in the migration routes of some Western Palearctic migratory birds such as storks. The Ramsar Site includes many cultural sites. Despite the absence of a management plan, it has some tourism facilities such as watchtowers and observatories to improve the conditions for visitors. The complex is threatened by the fragmentation of its ecosystem due to livestock and arable farming activities, logging, charcoal burning, poaching, and conflicts between people and elephants. These conflicts have a negative impact on the food security and livelihoods of the affected populations, leading them to have a hostile attitude towards wild animals around their communities.]]>301972.6511.3326656327176-1.37714677650617Sat, 27 Oct 1990 12:02:48 +01001204Stung Senhttps://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2365
The Site is located along the south-eastern edge of the Tonle Sap Great Lake, and mainly comprises seasonally flooded freshwater swamp forests. Along the Stung Sen River, there are gallery forests, low-stature shrub land, inundated and submerged trees, and extensive mats of herbaceous and aquatic vegetation which provide habitat for a variety of species. The vegetation of Stung Sen is strongly influenced by the exchange of water between the Mekong River, the Stung Sen River and the Great Lake, and the area is subject to an annual flooding cycle that makes it extremely fertile. The Site is an important spawning ground for several fish species such as Jullien’s golden carp (Probarbus jullieni) and small scale mud carp (Cirrhinus microlepis), a migratory pathway and feeding ground for waterbirds, and an important habitat for mammals. It is regionally important for supporting a number of globally threatened species such as the critically endangered Mekong giant carp (Catlocarpio siamensis); the endangered yellow-headed temple turtle (Heosemys annandalii) and Indochinese silvered langur (Trachypithecus germaini); and the vulnerable lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) and smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata).]]>https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2365Wed, 07 Nov 2018 12:02:48 +0100Stung Sen2365Tue, 19 Feb 2019 15:35:10 +0100Fri, 02 Nov 2018 12:02:48 +0100https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2365AsiaCambodiaKHThe Site is located along the south-eastern edge of the Tonle Sap Great Lake, and mainly comprises seasonally flooded freshwater swamp forests. Along the Stung Sen River, there are gallery forests, low-stature shrub land, inundated and submerged trees, and extensive mats of herbaceous and aquatic vegetation which provide habitat for a variety of species. The vegetation of Stung Sen is strongly influenced by the exchange of water between the Mekong River, the Stung Sen River and the Great Lake, and the area is subject to an annual flooding cycle that makes it extremely fertile. The Site is an important spawning ground for several fish species such as Jullien’s golden carp (Probarbus jullieni) and small scale mud carp (Cirrhinus microlepis), a migratory pathway and feeding ground for waterbirds, and an important habitat for mammals. It is regionally important for supporting a number of globally threatened species such as the critically endangered Mekong giant carp (Catlocarpio siamensis); the endangered yellow-headed temple turtle (Heosemys annandalii) and Indochinese silvered langur (Trachypithecus germaini); and the vulnerable lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) and smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata).]]>929312.630920580727104.515302603792Ib,III,VISat, 23 Oct 1999 12:02:48 +02002280Jabal Ali Wetland Sanctuaryhttps://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2364
Located in the Emirate of Dubai, Jabal Ali Wetland Sanctuary falls within the Jabal Ali Marine Sanctuary (JAMS), which is recognized by the Convention on Biological Diversity as an Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA). This coastal and marine wetland comprises areas of coral reefs, mangroves, shallow lagoons, seagrass beds, oyster beds and sandy shorelines, which maintain a healthy and diverse wetland habitat that provides shelter for over 500 marine species. Among these are many globally threatened species such as the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata); the endangered mottled eagle ray (Aetomylaeus maculatus) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas); and the vulnerable dugong (Dugong dugon) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis). The extensive seagrass beds serve as an important fish nursery and feeding ground for the green turtles and dugong; the sandy beaches provide the only breeding grounds in the Emirate for the hawksbill turtles (with 30 nests recorded in 2017). Given the rapid development of coastal areas in the Emirates, there are very few such sites remaining that support a relatively diverse set of habitats and rich biodiversity, and conserving this ecosystem is crucial for the survival of the species it supports.]]>https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2364Thu, 25 Oct 2018 12:02:48 +0200Jabal Ali Wetland Sanctuary2364Wed, 21 Nov 2018 12:03:59 +0100Thu, 25 Oct 2018 12:02:48 +0200https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2364AsiaUnited Arab EmiratesAELocated in the Emirate of Dubai, Jabal Ali Wetland Sanctuary falls within the Jabal Ali Marine Sanctuary (JAMS), which is recognized by the Convention on Biological Diversity as an Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA). This coastal and marine wetland comprises areas of coral reefs, mangroves, shallow lagoons, seagrass beds, oyster beds and sandy shorelines, which maintain a healthy and diverse wetland habitat that provides shelter for over 500 marine species. Among these are many globally threatened species such as the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata); the endangered mottled eagle ray (Aetomylaeus maculatus) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas); and the vulnerable dugong (Dugong dugon) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis). The extensive seagrass beds serve as an important fish nursery and feeding ground for the green turtles and dugong; the sandy beaches provide the only breeding grounds in the Emirate for the hawksbill turtles (with 30 nests recorded in 2017). Given the rapid development of coastal areas in the Emirates, there are very few such sites remaining that support a relatively diverse set of habitats and rich biodiversity, and conserving this ecosystem is crucial for the survival of the species it supports.]]>200224.948627573832354.9343240415267IISat, 29 Dec 2007 12:02:48 +01002194Van Long Wetland Nature Reservehttps://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2360
Located on the northernmost tip of the Pu Luong-Cuc Phuong limestone mountain range, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is one of the few intact lowland inland wetlands remaining in the Red River Delta. The Site is centred on a block of limestone karst outcrops that rise abruptly from the flat coastal plain of northern Vietnam. The freshwater lake, marshes and swamps that surround the karst, together with subterranean hydrological systems, form a wetland complex that is very rare in the Indochinese Peninsula. The limestone hills are famous for providing habitat for the critically endangered Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri), one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates. The Site is home to more than half of the global population and is the only place where the species can be observed in the wild. The Site is also an important refuge and breeding ground for a number of aquatic species, and a staging site for waterbirds. It provides important ecosystem services for the surrounding communities, including its aquatic and agricultural resources, its water regulation and its scenic beauty for recreation and ecotourism.]]>https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2360Tue, 16 Oct 2018 12:02:48 +0200Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve2360Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:36:19 +0100Fri, 10 Feb 2017 12:02:48 +0100https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2360AsiaViet NamVNLocated on the northernmost tip of the Pu Luong-Cuc Phuong limestone mountain range, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is one of the few intact lowland inland wetlands remaining in the Red River Delta. The Site is centred on a block of limestone karst outcrops that rise abruptly from the flat coastal plain of northern Vietnam. The freshwater lake, marshes and swamps that surround the karst, together with subterranean hydrological systems, form a wetland complex that is very rare in the Indochinese Peninsula. The limestone hills are famous for providing habitat for the critically endangered Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri), one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates. The Site is home to more than half of the global population and is the only place where the species can be observed in the wild. The Site is also an important refuge and breeding ground for a number of aquatic species, and a staging site for waterbirds. It provides important ecosystem services for the surrounding communities, including its aquatic and agricultural resources, its water regulation and its scenic beauty for recreation and ecotourism.]]>273620.3932618396578105.853000824446IVFri, 20 Jan 1989 12:02:48 +01002376Daebudo Tidal Flathttps://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2359
Daebudo Tidal Flat comprises two tidal flats, Sangdong and Goraetburi, on Daebu Island in the Yellow Sea. The Site is a key stopover and feeding ground for the migratory waterbirds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). It supports numerous marine species including over 100 macrobenthic species which are notably abundant; this macrobenthic community serves as an important food resource for the migratory waterbirds passing through the Site each year. Of the various species that the Site supports, some are globally or nationally threatened such as the globally endangered black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor), the globally vulnerable Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes) and the nationally vulnerable milky fiddler crab (Uca lactea). Owing to its significance in sustaining the migratory waterbirds, the Site was designated as a Wetland Protected Area under the Wetland Conservation Act in 2017. The Ansan City government is committed to implement the protected area management plan to accelerate its protection measures.]]>https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2359Thu, 25 Oct 2018 12:02:48 +0200Daebudo Tidal Flat2359Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:06:07 +0100Thu, 25 Oct 2018 12:02:48 +0200https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2359AsiaRepublic of KoreaKRDaebudo Tidal Flat comprises two tidal flats, Sangdong and Goraetburi, on Daebu Island in the Yellow Sea. The Site is a key stopover and feeding ground for the migratory waterbirds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). It supports numerous marine species including over 100 macrobenthic species which are notably abundant; this macrobenthic community serves as an important food resource for the migratory waterbirds passing through the Site each year. Of the various species that the Site supports, some are globally or nationally threatened such as the globally endangered black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor), the globally vulnerable Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes) and the nationally vulnerable milky fiddler crab (Uca lactea). Owing to its significance in sustaining the migratory waterbirds, the Site was designated as a Wetland Protected Area under the Wetland Conservation Act in 2017. The Ansan City government is committed to implement the protected area management plan to accelerate its protection measures.]]>45337.2251288187472126.569070536778IV,VMon, 28 Jul 1997 12:02:48 +02002283Heilongjiang Youhao Wetlandshttps://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2353
This Site is an inland wetland ecosystem characterized by flat and open valleys, oxbow lakes and thaw lakes with large areas of herb, shrub and tree-dominated marshes. Stretched over the north- and south-facing slopes of the Lesser Khingan mountains in north-east China, it is typical of the forested wetland ecosystems of the northern mountainous region. The boundary of the Ramsar Site is the same as that of the Heilongjiang Youhao National Nature Reserve; over 70% is covered by marshes, which are preserved in a natural state. It has a large area of original red pine forests and a variety of wild plants such as Pinus koraiensis, Phellodendron amurense and Chosenia arbutifolia. With 836 plant species, 221 birds, 47 mammals, 19 amphibians and reptiles and 43 fish, the Site plays an important role in protecting rare wild plants and animals. The wetland is an important breeding place for waterbirds, including the critically endangered yellow-breasted bunting (Emberiza aureola), the endangered Blakiston’s fish owl (Bubo blakistoni) and the vulnerable Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus). The forest and wetland ecosystems in the area provide important services at the catchment scale in conserving water, maintaining soil and water quality, and regulating climate and surface runoff.]]>https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2353Mon, 06 Aug 2018 12:02:48 +0200Heilongjiang Youhao Wetlands2353Fri, 17 Aug 2018 10:38:45 +0200Mon, 08 Jan 2018 12:02:48 +0100https://rsisdev.ramsar.org/ris/2353AsiaChinaCNThis Site is an inland wetland ecosystem characterized by flat and open valleys, oxbow lakes and thaw lakes with large areas of herb, shrub and tree-dominated marshes. Stretched over the north- and south-facing slopes of the Lesser Khingan mountains in north-east China, it is typical of the forested wetland ecosystems of the northern mountainous region. The boundary of the Ramsar Site is the same as that of the Heilongjiang Youhao National Nature Reserve; over 70% is covered by marshes, which are preserved in a natural state. It has a large area of original red pine forests and a variety of wild plants such as Pinus koraiensis, Phellodendron amurense and Chosenia arbutifolia. With 836 plant species, 221 birds, 47 mammals, 19 amphibians and reptiles and 43 fish, the Site plays an important role in protecting rare wild plants and animals. The wetland is an important breeding place for waterbirds, including the critically endangered yellow-breasted bunting (Emberiza aureola), the endangered Blakiston’s fish owl (Bubo blakistoni) and the vulnerable Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus). The forest and wetland ecosystems in the area provide important services at the catchment scale in conserving water, maintaining soil and water quality, and regulating climate and surface runoff.]]>6068748.4025978396452128.36734457391IbFri, 31 Jul 1992 12:02:48 +02002222